Water is a fundamental part of life for humans, animals, and plants. According to the Mayo Clinic, adults need between 11-16 cups of fluid each day and only 20% of that comes from food. The other 80% comes from beverages, including drinking water. The first week of May is Drinking Water Week, so we’re taking the opportunity to shine some light on the importance of drinking water, how drinking water arrives at the tap, and how we can conserve water.
Texas has 23 major river basins supplying water to more than 29 million people; from El Paso and the Guadalupe Mountains to Austin and the rolling hills of Central Texas, to Houston and the Gulf Coast and everywhere in between. As Texas continues to boom in population and experience extreme drought conditions, the demand for water continues to increase. Knowledge of how we get our water can help us learn how to conserve this finite resource.
Drinking water comes from two sources: surface water and groundwater. It usually begins as precipitation, like rain or snow, which then flows into rivers, streams, lakes, and reservoirs. This water is classified as surface water. In Texas though, about 75% of all drinking water comes from groundwater. This is water that has soaked through cracks and spaces in the soil, sand, and rock of the Earth’s surface. Groundwater is accessed through a well or aquifer.
Local municipalities collect this surface water, groundwater, and rainfall, which then goes through a filtration process to ensure that viruses, bacteria, and dirt are filtered out and it is safe for all Texans to drink and enjoy. That water is then stored in tanks, including water towers, where it eventually flows through various pipes to get into our homes.
For those in rural parts of the state, the water process may look different. Many rural properties may have private wells that are drilled into the ground to pump groundwater into their homes. Private well water typically goes through a filtration process and a water softener before arriving at the kitchen faucet, the refrigerator door, washing machine, or showerhead. Since rural properties are not connected to public water systems, it is up to the discretion of the property owner to ensure drinking water is clean and it's helpful to know how to choose a good water filtration device.
As the summer months approach, many areas of Texas are already taking precautions and encouraging their residents to conserve, so that all Texans have enough drinking water. Always comply with your water system’s water use restrictions. No matter where you get your water, all Texans can do their part to conserve water with a few simple steps.
Eight simple ways to conserve water and Take Care of Texas:
Water plays a vital role in our lives. It is always important to conserve water, especially during drought conditions, so we can ensure there is enough drinking water for all Texans to enjoy. Conserving water can also decrease water bills for Texans who are on a public water system. Every drop counts, and together we can all make a significant difference with just a few simple changes.
